From tomb to triumph: Seeing the Resurrection through art

The Resurrection by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1490

This early Renaissance depiction of the Resurrection has all the classic symbolism associated with this earth-shattering event. At the focal point of the painting, a triumphant Jesus stands garbed in a clean white cloth, holding the banner of victory. The painting is balanced and tasteful. Jesus at the center is flanked symmetrically by two figures, presumably guards, who are clothed largely in red. The red clothing can symbolize the blood of Christ that was shed at the hands of the Roman soldiers, but also provides a visual color contrast that draws to mind the perfect white lamb and the crimson blood of sin.

The figure of Jesus stands atop a rectangular tomb or casket. The rectangular shape typically symbolizes the earthly, while the circle symbolizes the eternal and the heavenly. Jesus stands atop the rectangle. He has overcome death; he has conquered the world. To provide balance to the composition, the background of the upper portion of the painting has softer, rounder edges. Heaven is not explicitly depicted in this painting, but the light on the horizon and the ethereal blues offer a glimpse.

Jesus’ hand is raised in blessing, and his head tilts to the side. His expression is soft and welcoming. The wounds on his hands and feet are visible if you look closely. The wound in his side is exposed as well, but also subtle. In His Resurrection, Christ’s wounds have been made glorious, but Botticelli chooses to emphasize a strong and triumphant Christ rather than expounding on the wounds from the crucifixion. In all, this depiction is victorious yet gentle. It invites us to deepen our trust in the power of the Resurrection.

Here are some questions to guide your personal reflection or a conversation with family and friends about this image as you immerse yourself in this Easter season.

1. Which details of this painting are you drawn to?
2. What feelings does the color palette evoke for you?
3. Study the details of the fabric in the painting. The fabric has intricate movements and there seems to be a wind unfurling the flag. Now look at the stone throughout the painting. Notice the rocky cliffs in the background and the polished marble of the stone coffin. What do you make of this contrast?
4. When you look at this painting, are there any lines from the holy Mass or from prayers that come into your mind? (ex. “Behold, the Lamb of God”, or “We proclaim your death O Lord, and profess your resurrection,” or “Jesus son of the living God, have mercy on me a sinner.”)
5. Pray with John 11:25-27 while you look over this painting. 
   • “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” (RSVCE)
   • In this passage, Jesus is speaking to Martha, but imagine that he is speaking these words directly to you. Look back at the painting. Jesus is asking you, “Do you believe this?”